Treatment plans are used in psychotherapy to help individuals succeed in sessions. They are typically made up of long-term goals, short-term goals and action steps. Treatment plans are made in conjunction with the patient and should take into account the patient's individualized symptoms and presentation. A common misconception of treatment plans is that they have an end date of completion. There are several benefits of treatment plans.
Identification
Long-term goals are typically the reasons why individuals enter therapy---for example, to stop being depressed. Short-term goals are exactly that, goals that can be reached in a shorter amount of time than long-term goals and that help in reaching long-term goals. An example of a short-term goal is to alleviate some depressive symptoms. Action steps are the small steps to take to reach short-term and long-term goals. Examples of action steps for a depressed individual are to become more active or to stop thinking negatively, according to Psychology Information Online.
Considerations
The therapist must consider the patient's individualized symptoms and presentation when making a treatment plan. A treatment plan will be more successful if the patient makes it with the therapist. Focusing on shared goals is the best way to succeed in therapy.
Misconceptions
There are some misconceptions about treatment plan goals. The main one is that there should be an "end date" that the goals should be reached. This does not take into account the individual and may even put pressure on the individual to "get better." Another misconception is that the action steps will be beneficial for the patient in reaching their goals. A treatment plan should not be set in stone but should have the ability to be edited at any time during treatment, especially if a given action step is not working for the individual.
Benefits/Warning
Treatment plans are used in therapy as a way to structure sessions and base them around the patient's goals. The therapist and patient should take time in making a treatment plan, for if it does not work exactly how the patient wants it, this may make them even more depressed, according to Psychology Information Online.
Expert Insight
Treatment plans are a great way to start and build a therapeutic relationship. They set a good plan into motion---that is, how to help the individual become less depressed. They allow sessions to be more structured and goal-focused, instead of a session full of the patient venting, which has shown to not be effective in the long run, according to Psychology Information Online.
